Ondo Communities Appeal to Aiyedatiwa Over Abandoned 28km Road Project, Two Decade Electricity Shortage.

Ondo Communities Appeal to Aiyedatiwa Over Abandoned 28km Road Project, Two Decade Electricity Shortage.

Residents of Akotogbo and Ijuosun communities in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State have appealed to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene in the completion of the 28 kilometre Ajagba Akotogbo Ijuosun road project and address their prolonged electricity challenges.

The appeal follows growing concerns over the condition of the road, which residents say has deteriorated significantly, disrupting transportation, commercial activities, agricultural production and access to essential services.

The road project, approved by the Ondo State Government in June 2024, was expected to improve connectivity between the affected communities and neighbouring areas, including routes linking the state to the Edo border. However, residents have expressed frustration over its alleged abandonment and the slow pace of construction.

According to reports, significant portions of the road remain in poor condition, with potholes, erosion and damaged sections making transportation increasingly difficult, particularly during the rainy season.

Community members say the situation has exposed motorists and other road users to safety risks while making it harder for farmers and traders to transport agricultural produce to markets.

Beyond the road infrastructure, residents of Ijuosun have raised concerns over the community’s prolonged lack of electricity, alleging that the area has remained without connection to the national electricity grid for approximately 20 years.

They argue that the absence of reliable electricity has affected small businesses, artisans, students and other residents whose economic and educational activities depend on power supply.

The communities are therefore urging the Aiyedatiwa administration to treat the two issues as development priorities, stressing that functional roads and access to electricity are essential to improving rural livelihoods and stimulating economic growth.

Government Promises Fresh Action on Road Project

In a related development, the Ondo State Government has reportedly indicated plans to re award and redesign the abandoned road project following protests by youths from the affected communities.

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, reportedly gave the assurance on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, while addressing protesting youths.

Adeniyan said he would present their petition to the governor for consideration. He also disclosed that discussions with the commissioner overseeing the project had produced assurances that the contract would be re-awarded and redesigned, with another engineer expected to handle its completion.

The protesting youths, operating under the Coalition of Ijuosun and Akotogbo Youths, also called for emergency repairs, safety inspections and warning signs along dangerous sections of the road while awaiting the commencement of substantive construction work.

They further requested an independent technical assessment of the work already executed and greater transparency regarding the project’s funding and implementation.

However, the allegations concerning the project’s execution and funding require appropriate investigation and official clarification from the relevant government authorities and contractors.

A Wider Challenge of Rural Infrastructure

The concerns raised by Akotogbo and Ijuosun reflect broader infrastructure challenges confronting several rural communities across Nigeria, where inadequate transportation networks and unreliable electricity continue to constrain economic opportunities.

For agricultural communities, accessible roads are particularly important for moving farm produce, connecting farmers to markets and reducing transportation costs. Similarly, dependable electricity can support local enterprises, improve educational opportunities and encourage investment.

The proposed intervention therefore represents an important opportunity for the Ondo State Government to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive development and equitable infrastructure distribution.

Residents are hopeful that the government’s reported promise to re award the road contract will translate into concrete action rather than another prolonged delay.

Ultimately, the communities are seeking more than assurances. They want a completed road, access to electricity and sustainable infrastructure that will improve living conditions for present and future generations.